Summer is just around the corner, and it’s time to break out the sun hats, pack the sunscreen, and start planning your family vacation.
If you want to make them unforgettable, look no further than the Mexican Caribbean. For instance, Cancun and the Riviera Maya are breathtaking destinations with pristine beaches, vast Mayan culture, exquisite gastronomy, shopping districts, and vibrant nightlife.
These world-renowned places have many family-friendly activities to please every taste. From soaring through the sky on a zipline, speeding across the lagoon in a speedboat, or navigating jungle paths on an ATV, to cooling off in crystal clear cenotes or partaking in a traditional Mayan ritual, there’s something to excite every member of the family.
If you decided to venture this summer to the Riviera Maya with your family, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 must-do activities with kids that promise to make your vacation unforgettable.
Xcaret is one of the most recognized family-friendly theme parks in the Mexican Caribbean. Doubtlessly, it is a must for families since it has a large array of activities. You will marvel at a variety of vibrant birds such as flamingos and macaws, observe majestic giant tortoises, take a dip in the underground river, and much more.
For the little ones, we endorse visiting the butterfly farm or they can burn off some energy in the children’s area full of slides, hanging bridges, and tunnels. Teenagers can get their adrenaline pumping with a thrilling boat ride, reaching speeds of up to 90 km/h, complete with exhilarating plunges and full-circle spins on the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. They will have a blast!
If the family prefers to discover marine fauna, swimming with dolphins or stingrays is an experience not to be missed. Without a doubt, Xcaret is an ideal park with a great diversity of fun things to do for the kids and the kids at heart.
A day full of excitement is guaranteed!
If you and your family like adrenaline-fueled fun, then driving a boat through the lagoon at maximum speed is a must-do experience in the Riviera Maya. Moreover, you will be able to discover the treasures of the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea by snorkeling through coral reefs, home to colorful marine life.
This speed boat experience includes snorkeling equipment, and you will receive a free snorkel tube that you can keep as a souvenir of your experience swimming in a spectacular coral reef teeming with colorful marine life.
The little ones cannot drive, but going as a co-pilot is the best way to enjoy this adventure. Let’s fill your veins with adrenaline with this great activity to do with kids in the Riviera Maya!
Ahoy! A pirate adventure awaits you.
Embark on a voyage on the Caribbean Sea aboard a classic pirate ship, entertained by an outstanding live show on the galleon.
Spend an evening full of laughter, mesmerizing music, delicious food, and engaging games aboard the Jolly Roger.
This activity is perfect for children since they will become part of the pirate crew, making their night unforgettable.
In addition, they will get astonished as they watch the ship transform into an epic battle scene starring the fearsome captain and his pirate crew performing circus tricks, swinging from high above the rigging, somersaulting on the deck, and striking their swords to settle their bitter disputes.
Rest assured; these friendly pirates will steal your heart. Are you ready to set sail on this epic adventure?
However, if are you looking for a more leisurely adventure, our recommendation is a day trip to Isla Mujeres. This picturesque island was once a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Ixchel. As a matter of course, women came to venerate her to help them pass through a stage of physical and spiritual growth to adulthood.
This excursion combines the beauty of the Caribbean and the island culture, where all the family will spend a day sailing through crystal clear waters, snorkeling, feasting on delicious Mexican cuisine, and much more. Kids will enjoy this unique adventure with the Sun and sea companionship.
Considered one of the hidden treasures in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Garrafon Park is full of fun for the whole family. This ecological park offers a range of activities from snorkeling in a natural reef and kayaking, to ziplining over the Caribbean Sea.
The little ones will enjoy the artificial waterfalls in the infinity pool, while adults can live the experience of a temazcal (a sauna sort of place). This park offers the perfect balance of tranquility and excitement.
Come and experience with the whole family all that Garrafón Park has for you and collect incredible memories that will last forever.
If you are looking for a unique experience with your children, our recommendation is to uncover one of the most unique archaeological sites of the Mayan Empire: the Tulum ruins. This half-day excursion is perfect for learning about Mayan ruins on the shores of the Caribbean Sea leaving your afternoon free to continue your fantastic vacation.
This tour will immerse you in the Mayan culture by touring the ruins of Tulum. Structures such as the Temple of Paintings, the Temple of the Descending God, and the iconic Lighthouse Castle overlooking the sea are sure to captivate young and old alike.
You will also have free time to swim and relax on the beach below the ruins. Unquestionably, it is an unmissable activity for kids in the Riviera Maya.
Prepare to awake your mind and rediscover the power of your senses! From the Xcaret Parks family, Xenses will take you on a journey through multiple sensory activities through water, air, and land.
Xenses is definitely one of the best activities to do in Riviera Maya with kids. Children and teenagers will have fun with this innovative experience that will stimulate their five senses and could even causing delightful confusions, making this adventure even more fun.
Special moments in Xenses with the whole family! Being a half-day park, Xenses offers a range of extraordinary activities and settings, making it one of the top activities to do with kids in the Riviera Maya. Embark on this sensory journey with your family!
Can you imagine swimming with one of the most intelligent marine mammals that exist on Earth? Well, then, book the dolphin encounter experience in Riviera Maya – Puerto Aventuras.
Your children will fall in love with this wonderful adventure where they will dance, hold the dolphin’s fins, and even share a friendly kiss, all under the of marine mammal specialists.
This safe activity for kids is a fantastic experience since playing with these incredible creatures is something that many have on their bucket lists.
After being with the dolphins for approximately 40 minutes, you will be able to enjoy a buffet lunch with traditional Mexican food. Doesn’t this sound like an extraordinary activity to do with kids in Riviera Maya?
9. Chichen Itza Deluxe
Imagine that your child experiencing one of the Wonders of the World at a young age. That is possible with the Chichen Itzá Deluxe excursion.
The little ones will be captivated by the iconic Temple of Kukulcán, the Observatory, the monumental ball game, and much more. In addition to learning about the Mayan culture, all the family will be able to swim in a beautiful natural cenote (sinkhole).
This is a must-do activity that children are sure to enjoy during their stay in the Riviera Maya. Live this awe-inspiring experience!
Our last recommendation is to venture into the Caribbean Sea to discover an underwater museum. The MUSA is the only museum you’ll visit in your swimsuit! It is an incomparable experience that kids will surely love.
On this tour you will enjoy a boat ride to Isla Mujeres followed by a snorkeling experience among magnificent underwater statues that help the coral reef growth, creating a natural masterpiece at the bottom of the sea.
Are you ready to dive into this adventure?
Living a magical family vacation is possible, but with the recommendations of Amstar experts, it will be seamless.
Whether you decide to enjoy the all-inclusive hotel you are staying at or go on an adventure to appreciate the beauty of the Caribbean Sea and the Mayan culture, there is undoubtedly a wealth of activities to do with children in the Riviera Maya.
We would love to hear what excursions you have already experienced or what are you planning for your next family vacation in the Mexican Caribbean!
